Camp McKinney Information

Camp McKinney is rather now describe as a ghost town that's located on the eastern slope of Bald Mountain that divides the Kettle River and Okanagan Valleys, at an elevation of 4600 feet above sea level. The small settlement Camp of McKinney was mainly taken up as site for placer miners who had occupied Rock Creek during the 1860's into 1880's. One of the most important interests was gain in 1884, when F. W. Goericke, who was a Rock Creek Placer Miner, had discovered an outcrop containing gold in association to quartz veining. Much of the gold discovery was additionally made during a traverse of the ground that was completed on a mountain slope at about 10 miles from the mouth of Rock Creek, One of the vey first mining claims was staked at this point in time when Mr. Goeriche had named this claim Victoria, and was known as the very first mineral claim within the area. However, some downfalls had shortly after occurred as the lack of transportation had become one of the biggest issues towards working this gold mining project.

As Spring, 1887, had rolled, the ground was further being prospected by Fred Rice, Alfred McKinney, William Burnham, and Edward Lefever of Spokane, Washington. Their main attention was mainly aimed at prospecting the area for quartz that might possibly contain gold that would be economical enough to develop a mining project from it. By the time these prospectors had arrived at Rock Creek, they shortly after found Charlie Dietz and other placer miners working the White Bar on the north fork of the Creek bed. Most of the journey into this vast wilderness land was obtained through canoeing on the main water routes that provided access to land for further prospecting. It was at this time, when the prospectors had started to observe the main ridge of country that was lying between the two forks. From here, they shortly after passed the Victoria Claim, and continued onward for some 2000 feet higher up Bald Mountain. Difficulty was also taken as the late spring had still left snow on the mountain that made it even more harder to prospect the land. A short distance up the mountain these prospector would find a clear opening that had exposed a ridge from which the wind had swept the snow away. By May, 2nd, 1887, the prospectors would eventually come across an open bare spot which was overlooking a little creek flowing southward towards Rock Cree. Shortly after the prospectors had set up camp, and it was by the next morning that the real discovery was made next to the campfire, in which McKinney discovered the outcrop of quartz carrying veins of gold with it. Prospecting was shortly after undertaken on this vein that soon had revealed one of the richest gold bearing quartz veins in the district, as Rice and McKinney would locate the Caribou Mine. Other partners of the crew known as Burnham and Lefevre, had also staked an adjoining claim, that would become known as the Amelia. With this taking place, it was by May, 9, 1887, when the adjoining Okanagan, Alice, and Emma Claims were officially recorded.

Camp McKinney was only populated by a few prospectors at the time who had mainly work placer deposits on what became Rock Creek, News articles had shortly read gold discovery, gold discovery, and its no hoax as British Columbia was being well developed by underground hard-rock mines at the time. This news would only trigger far more population to the area surrounding Bald Mountain as prospecting was carried out and nearly 30 to 40 prospectors would stake claims surrounding this important discovery. Observation of the main mass of gold within the rock had showed that this project would become economical, and the group of prospectors had staked claims in all directions in order to secure the ground. It was also at this time when Mr.

Goericke had become so encourage by this discovery that he would take Judge C. Haynes and C. B. Bush as partners in trying to develop the Victoria Claim. Development at this time had also progress on the Victoria Gold property as a shaft was sunk to a depth of 100 feet below the surface. Assays which were taken from the main workings had also resulted in high-grade ore that ran between $44 to $480 in gold per ton, with very little silver, and the poorest assay from these workings was set at $7 to $12 in gold per ton of ore, Sampling was mainly done in San Francisco, which would also end up carrying telluride minerals that became associated with this gold bearing quartz deposit. Within the same year it was also reported that the Victoria Claim had become patented by Messrs. J. C. Haynes, F. W. Goericke and C. B, Bush.

By the same year, on August, 18, 1887, the Gold Commisioners Tunstall, the at Granite Creek, had wrote to the Minister of Lands and Works in Victoria, as he requested that 74 acres of land situated about 800 yards south of McKennyville Quartz Camp be used for a Townsite. Many miners of the area had also requested that the Town name should be McKennyville in honour of the main discover, and became shortly after developed on a level plateau that was surrounded by wood and water resources. This was all granted at the time, in which Surveyor General W. S. Gore had agreed to survey the land, and within weeks, instructions were given towards subdividing a Townsite into blocks and lots. Mr. W. S. Gore had additionally hired a surveying firm to do this work, and would instruct them to confine their survey to the mapping of a single street, while others were merely projected on paper for the time being. It was by the upcoming months, in November, when the firm had completely subdivided McKinneyville into several spaced blocks and lots that now occupy the new Settlement Town.

Most of the mines at this time had also been at a distance of nearly 200 miles from the railway transportation, and the only means of reaching them was by Wagon from Spokane to Marcus, and thence 100 miles on horseback up the Kettle River Indian Trail. Difficulties were shortly after overcome as transportation and the consequence of high prices of provisions, prospecting, and development work was carried on during 1887. This wasn't only done on the Caribou-Amelia Claims, but several other claims that were being actively prospected by prospectors that made their way into this area. Even with claims being developed, it was in 1888, when many prospectors had to also face the harsh reality of obtaining working capital for these projects. For the most part, it was also at this time when quartz mining within the Province of British Columbia was not very well known, and it was very impossible for prospectors and mine developer to gain the much needed capital through investments. A small trail had only led out of this Camp, as transportation for supplies, and mining equipment was considered as a challenging task for many who came to this as most things had to be brought in by the harsh trail use and once a month mail service.

By the year of 1888, Camp McKinneyville had rather undergone new changes as the settlement town as reorganized into Camp McKinney. It was also during that time period when the Gold Commisioner Walter Dewdney had visted the new camp and became overwhelming impressed by what he overseen. Mr. Dewdney had additionally made follow up reports to his superiors, that stated that the government had built unique trail from the Indian Village, In-ka-neep, for a cost of $1,915.51. The road from this village was also continued onward as it traverse through the new Camp McKinney to the placer mining area at Rock Creek, Reviews on the trail were quite good during this time period as freighters had stated that the accessibility of the trail to Camp McKinney was fairly labelled as excellent and became shorten down by nearly 15 miles. By August, 9, there was a total of 57 men who had resided at Camp McKinney, and would also sign a petition towards recommending that Stephen Turner he given a license to operate a hotel and dispense spirits. This objection was shortly after granted which result in Mr. Turner arriving to the camp are during that winter season in 1888. No one at the time had knew what type of business he would establish or where it would be located as plans were being done towards the construction of his new business venture.

A total of 25 properties were being operated within the operating year of 1889, and the prospects within the camp were looking good for Camp McKinney's economy. Transportation however, had still continued to become an issue, in which Mr. Dewdney had reported on this issue to Victoria, and advise that a road was to vital to Camp McKinney's future. One of the major problems had rise through the shipment of ore as it was nearly impossible and the shipment of mining machinery would become another issue. Transportation and access into this area had its own effect on several projects as the Manager of the Douglas Mine had place nearly $30,000 into this prospect before ceasing mining operations. Later during that time period, the manager of the Douglas Mine had travelled to New York, United States to convince shareholders of the need for machinery. By this time, the mine it self had plenty of ore that was waiting to be treated on hand and ready for shipments to the markets, but without anyway to get there.

Reports that were made for the year ending of 1891, by Mr. Dewdney had once again reported that the Camp McKinney mine owners had remained deadlocked for wanting a road. It was during this time period when the outlook of Camp McKinney had look a lot more brighter during the spring months of 1892, as miners lost their sleigh road with the melting snow, that had only left trails going in an east and west direction. This was additionally followed by assessment work that was being carried out, and most of the inhabitants had abandoned the town, as the post office was also moved to Fairview. With some downfalls taking place, the Caribou Mine would undergo some new changes towards its ownership. The major changes was made when McKinney, and Rice had lack financing to develop this mining project, as they would borrow money from George B. McAuley. However, by 1888, despite being urged by McAuley to hang-on, as Mr. McKinney and Rice had grown discourage and had wanted to sell off. With no choice, Mr. McAuley was offer the opportunity to be the new owner of the mine but was in no condition financially to take over this major gold project. But he did have one person in mine, as he soon persuaded Phil O'Bourke, of Bunker Hill, and Sullivan fame, and Jack Hanley, to accompany him during the examination of the Property. Serious problems had rise when these two investors would find that the ground was unsuitable for financial interest and had abandoned this site. But the great McAuley was more than happy with what he saw, and upon returning home to Spokane, he had talk with some real investors known as James Monahan and Clement King to its richness and economic potential. By this time, McKinney and Rice would eventually sell off on this property, as it was sold to the group of new investors and Mr. McAuley for somewhere around $7,000 for it. By that time, a company was shortly after organized to develop this project that became the controlling interest of the Caribou Mine and Milling Company, who had also formed 800,000 shares towards investing into the company.

Development and the opening of these veins was exceeding large scale development during 1891, which resulted in preparing this gold mining operation. The Caribou Mine and Milling Company was progressing at a much slower start due to not having the required equipment to develop one of the most major gold projects within the District. Work at the mine was progressed on a steady base due to major work that was being completed towards opening up the Caribou Vein. It was by 1894, when the Caribou-Amelia became commonly known as a one of the main leaders of this camp. Within February, it was reported that heavy snow fall had accumulated in the general area that brought with it nearly four-feet of pure mother nature bird shit with it. So much changes were being made as equipment had soon occupied the grounds at the newly discovered Caribou-Amelia Gold Mine Site. Some of the main equipment that occupy this project would include boilers, assay outfit, and a 10-stamp ball mill. For the most part, this equipment would come from a whole new district as it was purchase and shipped through Camp McKinney from the Rainbow Mine, in Golden, Washington, United States. Pricing on getting this equipment to the mine was fairly pricey due to duty costs that would end up totalling $880, and became delayed by permission of the Duty Collector Customs. The first gold production would also be achieved at the nearby Caribou-Amelia Gold Mine as the new milling facility would first commence on May, 1, 1894.

Camp McKinney was already becoming a thriving small town when the first hotel was built by Hugh Cameron, and became known as the Camp McKinney Hotel. Construction of the hotel was additionally started by 1894, when the Caribou-Amelia Gold Mine had proven worthy of its economical opening for the last three years. So with no other choice, Hugh Cameron, and Malcolm McGraig had first constructed this hotel during the season of 1894, and had been situated on what became known as the Caribou Claim. But with no other choice, it was at this point in time when Hugh Cameron was force to move his hotel by the mine owners, and it was dismantled before being rebuilt again on what was called the Traser Claim. Population within Camp McKinney was growing steady as the settlement town also had 70 people living and working at the camp, but the only problem to this was that there were not businesses. However, this shortly after change as hard labour was enforce for many who resided here as the Caribou-Amelia Gold Mine had needed many people to develop this major economical project Many supplies were also being shipped as you could get Beef for the camp that was supplied and obtained from Fairview, British Columbia, Canada. It was also in Mid-May when 20 Indians with pack horses had left Elliot's General Store at Fairview for the new mine area. As the mine progress towards opening, this had also brought several business into the area as it was found as a vital source of economy to built the Caribou-Amelia Gold Mine. One of the very first businessmen was Henry Nicholson, who had arrived from Fairview on April, 22, 1894, and establish himself as a notary public and mining agent. It was prior to this, when Hugh Cameron, and Malcolm McCraig, had constructed the newly hotel, which was followed by erecting a boarding house by three men for Hugh's. By this time, the town was only looking more bright as a sawmill was being constructed and had shortly been place into operation as timber was needed for the Caribou Mine Milling Facility. For the most part, it was also reported that the stamps were also in motion as they operated on a concrete pad in open air at the time as they were not secured by walls or a roof.

Other major changes were also made by June, 1894, when a 56-name petition was sent to the authorities and order to establish a post office that had been closed in 1892, and transferred to Elliot General Store in Fairview. With no problem this request would also be granted by January, 1895, although the postmaster Henry Nicholson was not appointed until October, 1896. During 1895, it was known as a historical moment in time as the Caribou Mine and Milling Company had operated their Caribou Amelia Gold Mine throughout the operating year of 1895. From all production the mining and milling facility was known for producing nearly $100,000 worth of gold that came from the mine area, and it was by 1896, when the mine would yield $131,000. For the most part, it was also stated that the original Camp McKinney was never developed to a degree in 1887, but it was in 1894, when a new camp was begun. This camp was additionally known for being located along the side of a wagon road that would pass though the Caribou, Alice, Emma, and Maple Leaf Claims. However, despite the major construction of buildings, and the establishment of businesses, no town-site had been survey and not a single lot had been purchase by those involved. Living the daily life style was also done on several claims that sprung up as it was preferably chosen by the people who came to work within the gold mining project At one point in time, the Camp McKinney Hotel was situated on the Caribou Claim, like the others, Cameron and McCuaig had apparently establish their hotel without permission from the owners of that claim. With no other choice, it had only turned out to being a costly mistake, when, in October, the mine owners ordered them to remove it from their property.

Further businesses would be establish on July, 1, 1895, when W. T. Shatford, who already had general stores in Vernon and Fairview, had decided to open up another one in Camp McKinney. By the previous year, this resulted in hiring a representative of the store that became known as Mr. Cosens, who had visited Camp McKinney on a weekly basis. It was also apparent that he had conducted enough trade to warrant the establishment of a branch store. By November, it was also at this time when more businesses had arrived as Mr. J. White would establish his very own Butcher Shop. All of these businesses were mainly being established along the wagon road that cut across claims from the Maple Leaf to the Traser Claim. This wasn't consider the only claim that was given town-site consideration as ownership of the Victoria CLaim had passed into the hands of real capitalists There was nearly so much construction going on in 1896, that many roads, houses, and even buildings were being constructed as development progress on the Victoria Claim, and Camp McKinney would eventually connect with it. Employment on the Victoria Claim had resulted in hiring nearly 20 men to help with the much needed assistance in developing and setting up this gold mining project in the district. By this time, a store, along with dwellings, that were faced by miners cabins, with a blacksmith shop nearby, to give the upper end of the old Victoria Claim the appearance of an embryo town. As development progress this had also added to the economy of Camp McKinney as it was shortly noted as a wide spread camp and did not really achieve town status.

For instance, some of the main residence had also choose to establish businesses further away from the mining center, as Mr. G. P. McCuddy had decided to built a ranch to the west of Camp McKinney during 1893. Most of this was taking place when the wagon road was being constructed, and Mr. McCuddy had shortly realize its potential by erecting his own hotel. By the fall of 1896, he would also add a two-story addition and applied for a liquor license. By this time, the Ranch had also included a large bunkhouse, and a stable that could accommodate 100 horses. Camp McKinney was only becoming far more populated as the town consisted of two general merchandise stores that were owned by W. T. Shatford. A Cosens had also remained in charge, while the other store was owned by Mr. H. Nicholson, who was also the Postmaster, mining agent, and notary public, and had known every single claim within the surrounding neighbourhood. Predictions were also made in 1898, when it was reported that Camp McKinney would be surveyed in the near feature as it proves to be populated, and economy is kept in good order to provide work for those who resided here. Mr. Nicholson had also purchase a large selection of supplies for his major general store, and had also started to enlarge and re-arranging his store in anticipation of a brisk trade in the spring of 1897.

By September, 1896, it was reported that a contract was awarded to Joseph Frank for the erection of the Camp McKinney School House on a site donated by Hugh Cameron. Miss. Blake, who had been in charge of the anarchist Mountain School in 1896, was additionally hired as the first teacher to teach in Camp McKinney. Shortly after it was reported that Camp McKinney was undergoing some hard times in 1898, as the population had decreased and the school was officially closed. But it was by the summer months of 1898, when several facilities had moved back into the locality, and it was by August, when a petition was made for the re-opening of the school was forward to Victoria. On August, 1899, the school was officially re-opened for lectures once again with Miss. Ray as the second teacher in Camp McKinney School from the time it first opened until it close once again in 1904.

Far more improvements were made towards the townsite as a new hotel was in course of being erected on a fractional claim that lied between the Caribou and Minnehaha Claims. A contract was shortly after awards as the construction of this new hotel, that was to be called the St. Louis, had also been awarded to Joseph Frank. By this time, Frank and Thomas Donald would also apply to obtain a liquor license in November, of that year, and was accepted within the same year of organizing this new hospitality business. Camp McKinney wasn't realty consider as a wild town, but it did have its first trouble that occurred on August, 18, 1896, when George McAuley was held up by a lone robber while transporting three gold bars from Camp McKinney. The robber made his escape, but a miner by the name of Mathew Roderick was suspected of the robbery, and was killed by Joseph P. Keane while some believe he was returning to Camp McKinney to recover the hidden gold that was never found. By this time, they had corner juries in place as one had been brought to the scene of this murder in which the verdict had plea that Mr. Keane was responsible for the murder of Mathew Roderick. Upon reviewing the evidence by Dep All-Gen, it was ordered that the arrest and prosecution of Keane for murder, in which this charge was later reduced to manslaughter, to which, Keane was found guilty of. By mid-December, 1897, a Beer Alcohol Room brawl had occurred at Camp McKinney between Alex Ramage, George Taylor, and Mike Dooley. Ramage at this time was hit on the head by Dooley, and received knife wounds to the head and neck from Taylor. Taylor at this time had succeeded in crossing the border into Washington, United States, before he could be arrested for his crime. By this time, Mr. Dooley had place $120 in gold dust towards his bail, then forfeited it when he fled to the states. Ramage, who was the instigator of the crow, and was on the receiving end of most of the punishment, was fined $20, and costs.

One other incident that took place had rather involved the Donald Brothers who had been operating the St. Louis Hotel for a few months before their activities had drew the authorities. It was on March, 5, 1898, when a total of three charges were laid against the pair, in which one of these was the results of a incident with Frank selling liquor to an intoxicated person on January, 1, 1898. By February, 6, Frank was once again accuse of allowing an employee to sell liquor to H. Douglas on Sunday, and finally, both Frank and Thomas wee accused of keeping a betting house. Upon trail it was reported that the charge against Frank, had a lot of contradictory evidence which was given, however, Justice of the Peace R. G. Sidley and Henry Nicholson had that the charge was proved, and Frank was fined $20 and $9.50 for costs. Frank was also found guilty of the second charge that resulted in fining him $20 and $9.50 for costs. It was in the third case, where Regina vs Frank Donald and Thomas Donald, Sidley and Nicholson offered the following written judgement on March 5, 1898.

As the case was prosecuted, it was evident that these two defendants were charged with keeping a disorderly house, by keeping a room in which gambling was going on for gain. It was also kept for the purpose of specified, and this had not been shown at the time, and it must have also shown that a principal and essential part, and nor merely subsidiary, and for the recreation of guests. All of these enactments that were file against the gambling were for the purpose of preventing diverse idle, and evil disposed persons from congregating together and playing for excessive sums of money.

Further problems had worsen within this settlement town as it was in December, for the plea of a new town-site that had been completed by Johnson, and lots were placed on the market. This resulted in the demand for type of real-estate within the new settlement that would become a major industry. By this time, lots were reported to have been eagerly sought before the plot would eventually become subdivided. By this time, the town-site on Sailor was progressing very as it became situated in a prime location for the profit of cashing in on lots. It was also reported that Main Street was considered to have been level from end to end, and the lots being 35 feet wide and 100 feet deep at the time. Within time it was also reported that a number of lots were sold within a weeks time of opening them up for real-estate and sales purposes.

Within that time period, Camp McKinney was separated by town-sites, which stretched over six claims, completing with another. It was also one area of development, which never really amounted to anything, was on the Victoria Claim. One of the main embryo town-sites to spring up into the course of development was the Sailor Claim, that was situated a short distance to the west, and had been considered as the main town-site in the area. It was mainly establish with the permission and the dependents of the Caribou Mining, and Development, Company, and was located on the Caribou Claim. From here it had also stretched eastward as it cut through the Amelia Claim, and continued westward on the Alice, Emma, and Maple Leaf Claims. This resulted in opening up a new business sector that was establish in a rented building from Hugh Cameron, and was located on or near the Teaser Claim.

It was by January, 1899 when an ad in the Midway Advance had indicated that the historical St. Louis Hotel had changed hand, yet again. Reports on this had stated that the new proprietors were now appointed as James Lynch, and D. McDuff, and Thomas Humphrey had also sold out on his interest in this. Camp McKinney was only becoming a booming town, as the stages were crowded and many private rigs were in the mist of being establish to provide transportation for visitors who came to this area. Other businesses had also taken shape as J. P. Flood and King Rees had decided to open up their own butcher's shop as the town was thriving at this time. It was also Dr. Gordon, of Toronto, who had obtained the position of being the main surgeon to the mines at Camp McKinney, and had additionally opened up a drug store, and was making plans for a small hospital and Charles DeBlois Green, a provincial land surveyor, had also opened up an office. He was also commonly known as the very first physician that had establish himself at Camp McKinney, and its subdivided settlement. Later on, it was reported that Dr. Gordon would become succeeded by Dr. R. B. White in 1900. It was only when Dr. White had decided to take a trip back east in the winter of 1900, that his practise was taken over by Dr.Boyce of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Upon his return it was also stated that Dr. White had maintained his Camp McKinney Practise until 1902, when he moved to Penticton, British Columbia, Canada.

It was by April, 1899, when work within te camp was reported to be in full swing as the economy was rather transforming it self, and had nearly 100 men on different payrolls. Most of this was caused through the large increase in population of the Camp, that a constable had needed to be appointed as Camp McKinney was reaching over 200 residence who resided here. It was by the mid month of April when W. J. Snodgrass & Sons stage was offering daily services between Camp McKinney and Greenwood, British Columbia, Canada. By April, 8 the Cascade Record reported that the Sailor Town-Site had been sold to some Toronto Capitalists who planned to invest $30,000 toward water works, and other major improvements. As the month progress, it was by April, 15, 1899, when Camp McKinney was putting on metropolitan air as it would have a weekly newspaper in the near future.

By May, 1899, it was reported that another claim, known as the Kamloops, was also to be subdivided into town-site lots and placed on the market. Reports had also stated that by mid April, Charles Winters, a provincial police constable, had been appointed to Camp McKinney. There was yet again, another change to the ownership of the St. Louis Hotel by March, 1899, and McDuff had bought out Lynch, which would continue the enterprise alone. The St. Louis Hotel was considered as one of the most better hotels in Camp McKinney, and its thriving career had appear to have been the most beleaguered, for, only a month later, it was burglarized by P. Murphy and Doc Elwood. Business was rather continued at a steady pace in Camp McKinney, and continued unabated during the summer of 1899. By June, 1899, W. T. Shatford & Co, had began the construction of a massive store at Camp McKinney, the size being 28 x 60 feet, which was two storey's and had its own warehouse attached and a cellar 20 x 28 feet. For the most part, this expansion was considered a major one as it was necessary to enable the firm, with branches at Fairview, Vernon, and Slocan City, British Columbia, Canada, to carry a large selection of goods.

Other major changes were made at the end of July, 1899, when the Columbia Telephone Company had completed their own line into this town. By a weeks time, it was also stated that telephone connection with the outside world was first establish. With this progressing it was at this time period when John Love and E. F. Scott, who operated a drug and book store in Fairview, constructed a branch across the street from Shatford's General Store. Alongside of them was also Joe Morgan who had opened a barbershop. It was also at a short distance up the street, that Hugh Cameron's Camp McKinney Hotel was being extensively improve with paint and paper inside, and a new addition was being added to this hotel. One of the main new additions to the hotel had also carry its very own liquor license bar, and the old bar room had been converted into sleeping apartments. Construction had continued throughout that year as Camp McKinney was only beginning to prosper as many jobs were being offer and the economy was just booming. But it was the Sailor Town-Site was considered as a strong backbone as it wasn't giving up with a fighting chance to boost its economy in efforts of being on top, like Camp McKinney. By November, 17, 1899, it was reported that a new hotel was being erected on the Sailor Townsite by Paquette and Alkeidt. However, this hotel name was considered to have been unrecorded, which was most likely known as the Sailor Hotel. Nearly 60 lots were being quickly sold within Sailor as they were being pick up and new buildings were only in course of being constructed at the time.

One of the best aspects of these small communities that formed around Boundary Country was the establishment of a hockey team. It was prior to this establishment that Camp McKinney was no exception, and despite lacking an ice rink in which to play or practice, the Camp McKinney Squad was still able to give a good account on it self when it came to game time or tournaments. One of the main contributors to Camp McKinney was known as the opening of the Caribou-Amelia Mine.